Five Suspects Charged in Local Exam Cheating Scam
Five suspects have been charged in a local government exam cheating scam, with the former director-general of the Department of Local Administration among eight others still to appear before investigators this week.
On August 3, Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasakdi Chaowasuwan, commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), announced progress in a local government exam fraud investigation after his office issued summonses to thirteen suspects to hear charges. Five suspects have already appeared to be informed of the allegations, while the remaining eight, including Theerutm Suphavibulyaphon, former director-general of the Department of Local Administration (DLA), have requested postponements. Theerutm is expected to appear this week, while the other seven are expected to appear in early next week as they arrange legal representation. Of the five suspects who have already appeared, one is from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) and four are civil servants found at a residence on the day of the incident, including Rueangdech Sirikij, director of SWU's Office of Educational and Psychological Testing. Rueangdech, who previously testified as a witness, maintained his original statement when appearing as a suspect. Evidence now clearly shows officials were involved in the wrongdoing, with charges varying among suspects—some face joint liability charges while others are accused of being accomplices. Once investigators complete gathering evidence and statements, the case will be submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for review to determine whether the CIB or NACC itself will proceed further. The case is expected to be submitted to the NACC by August 12.
